Oct 23, 2025 Oct 18, 2026

Oncology Clinical Social Worker

Oct 23, 2025 Oct 18, 2026

Psychosocial Assessment:

Conducts psychosocial evaluations of patients/support person(s) to identify needs and areas of support, including but not limited to: adjustment to cancer diagnosis, care coordination, mental health status, barriers to treatment process, substance use, child or elder abuse/neglect, intimate partner violence concerns, financial concerns, and resource needs.
The OCSW may participate in treatment team meetings or care conferences as the behavioral health clinician to support treatment planning.

Patient Services:

Refers patient/support person(s) to resources within and outside of the hospital for assistance (i.e. financial, housing, transportation, insurance, prescription assistance, etc.)
Acts as an advocate for patients within the medical setting and the community
Maintains knowledge of community resources for oncology patients
May interact with the oncology social work specialist for assistance.

Supportive Counseling:

Provides brief short-term, evidence-based clinical behavioral health interventions to patients and/or their support person(s) in health care settings.
Works to coordinate transition to long-term counseling support in the community for patients requiring long-term follow-up.
Provides counseling to reinforce patients’ strengths and assist them in coping with a cancer diagnosis.
Counsels patients to assist them in decisions related to treatment options and educates patients regarding anticipated social or emotional impacts of treatment.
May participate in urgent situations by providing crisis intervention services to patients and/or their support person(s).
May also conduct group work including support group facilitation to patients, caregivers, and/or staff.

Departmental Functions:

Participates in Patient and Family Services department meetings/huddles and other assigned service meetings as a representative of the department and field of oncology social work.
Contributes to the development and evaluation of new programs to meet department or patient needs, including participation in department committees or workgroups.
Meets requirements to maintain Oregon SW licensure, including attending scheduled supervision sessions, conferences, and continuing education events.
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of social work practices and principles.
Participates in patient care rounds and care conferences as appropriate.
Completes all OHSU/DNV mandatory education requirements and activities within established timelines.
Maintain technology fluency and accessibility via department standard means (pager, phone, email, Teams, etc.).
May provide support to patient care staff as needed.
May also provide coverage within work unit

Other Duties as Assigned

A Master’s Social Work (MSW) required.
Certificate of Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) required for employees who practice clinical social work.
Experience in behavioral/mental health counseling and application of brief, short-term therapy strategies.
- This requirement may be waived in lieu of an applicant’s lived experience.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

Clinical behavioral health skills including mental health assessment acumen and short-term counseling skills.
Crisis Intervention skills
Effective communication skills, including conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated understanding of Trauma informed and patient-centered care.
Ability to practice with minimal supervision using sound clinical judgement.
Demonstrated knowledge of anti-oppressive practices.
Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

See also